Spanish economy feels the blue

The inflation target was lifted to 7.8% in 2022 from a previous 6.1% projected in April, while for 2023 it was revised upwards to 2.9% vs 2.2%.

Driven by rising energy and food prices, annual inflation surpassed 10% for the first time in 37 years in June, forcing the government to raise its expectations for consumer prices.

“The war is having major economic and social effects. All governments are revising growth forecasts downwards and inflation forecasts upwards,” Calvino said.

Spain maintained its growth target for 2022 at 4.3%, partially helped by a strong tourist season leading to a “strong GDP expansion” in the second quarter, Calvino said.

For 2023, Spain lowered its economic growth target to 2.7% down from a previous target of 3.5%.

The government also maintained its budget deficit targets for this year at 5% of GDP and 3.9% for 2023, Budget Minister Maria Jesus Montero said, as the fiscal straightjacket rules that set a 3% budget gap limit on EU member countries remain suspended. Spain expect a 3% budget deficit in 2025, she added.

The spending ceiling will be a record of 198 billion euros for 2022, slightly more than this year, Montero said